There's Just No Time
And the List Keeps Getting Longer...
I keep saying to myself, "This weekend I will have time,” and then suddenly it is Monday. It’s been too long since my last Substack! June whizzed by, and now July is doing the same thing. I have three different drafts started, and they’ll just have to wait because now they’re not relevant and need to be revised. Wah!
I leave on Saturday for Los Angeles to visit some friends (also, yes, my beloved dentist, Dr. Jeff) before heading to San Diego Comic-Con! I’m on two panels this year, so unlike last year, this will be more than a “one-day-only” event.
The first panel I was invited to participate in was by Denton Tipton of Magma Comix. I met Denton while in Grenada, Spain, last year, and honestly, it was surprising that we had never crossed paths earlier. After being in the same industry for so long, you always find out that you know the same people, have worked at the same companies, and have a lot in common (mostly to commiserate over!). I had no idea who else was on the panel, so I had to laugh when I saw Shannon Denton was on it too. I think Shannon and I are on an editorial panel together every time I do one!
Magma Comix: Pitching Your Vision and Developing IP
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Whether you’re dreaming of pitching to the Big Two or building your own universe from scratch, this panel pulls back the curtain. Industry veterans John Barber (Marvel, IDW, PUG-W) and Joseph Illidge (DC, Fairsquare Graphics) bring inside knowledge from Marvel and DC. Kristen Simon (Exec Editor, Mad Cave) and Tom Waltz (former creative director, IDW) break down exactly what indie publishers want to see from new projects, whether the pitch is original or for a licensed property. And if indie publishing and Kickstarter are calling your name, David Hedgecock (owner, FunTimeGo) and Shannon Denton (Monster Forge, Image, Marvel) have cracked that code and are ready to share it. Moderated by Magma publisher Denton J. Tipton, this panel offers aspiring creators valuable insights.
My second panel is, of course, my Superfan Podcast panel! The topics are pretty cool. Jordan Morris will be talking about his love of Universal Monsters, Soo Lee will be talking about hauntings, and supernatural encounters…which, I will personally be ALL ABOUT. And Samuel Sattin will be discussing kaiju toys! I think this is going to be really fun, so if you’re going to be there (and don’t have dinner plans at that time), make sure you come and check out the panel.
Saturday, July 25, 2026, 6:00pm - 7:00pmPDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Superfan Podcast features comics creators discussing the things they love that are not comics. Co-hosts Christian Gossett (story artist, Eyes of Wakanda), Kristen Simon (executive editor, Mad Cave Studios, Nakama Press), and David Hyde (owner, Superfan Promotions) appear with Jordan Morris (Web of Venom), Soo Lee (Witness Point), and Samuel Sattin (Unico) for a candid conversation about what they are superfans of, along with surprises.
I’m also going to share the Mad Cave signing schedule because you guys… come on, we’ve got John Cusack and Kim-Joy. And if you’re Canadian, we’ve got “Fearless” Fred Kennedy. A famous American actor, a famous British chef, and a famous Canadian radio show host. HOLY CELEBRITIES! Mad Cave is killing it! And they’re all writing amazing comic books! I swear, it’s true.
Thursday, July 23
12 p.m.: Mark London & Mark Russell – Honor and Curse: Eternal, Mister Nemo, Terrorbytes, Dog Tag
1 p.m.: Joe Corallo – Ruth Roche: The Phantom Hand of Comics
2 p.m.: Tilly Bridges & Susan Bridges – Just Another Summer
3 p.m.: Dave Johnson – Pop Kill, Denver
4 p.m.: Dan Panosian, Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay – The Dirt Beneath the Devil, Groupies
Friday, July 24
10 a.m.: Omar Morales – Major Thomas
11 a.m.: Stephanie Williams, Asiah Fulmore, DJ Chavisb – Temporal
12 p.m.: Stipan Morian – Our Soot Stained Heart
1 p.m.: Craig Hurd-McKenney – Best Friend Show; Curt Pires & Jock – 51
2 p.m.: Disney Star Wars group signing
3 p.m.: Mario B. Long – Casshan, God Tier
4:30 p.m.: John Cusack – Momo at Sails Pavilion AA04*
*Fans may not bring any additional items to the signing with John Cusack. No posed photos. Cusack will be signing copies of Momo, which will be available for purchase. Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Portal winners are only allowed in the signing queue.
Saturday, July 25
11 a.m.: Richard Ashley Hamilton – Scoop; Craig Hurd-McKenney – Best Friend Show
12 p.m.: Kim-Joy – Quiet
1 p.m.: Benjamin Raab, Deric Hughes, Willi Roberts, Suspiria – The Last Starfighter
2:30 p.m.: Toril Orlesky – Hot Blood!
3 p.m.: Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner – Pop Kill, Denver
4 p.m.: Sloane Siegel & Benjamin Stockham – Lazarus Order
5 p.m.: Fred Kennedy – The Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre
Sunday, July 26
11 a.m.: David M. Booher, Delilah S. Dawson, Soo Lee Star Wars and Disney comics group signing – Disney Kids Comics: Frozen Snowgies Sleepover & Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
12 p.m.: Lan Pitts – Beat Every 1-Up; Christopher Greenslate – Queen Kodiak
1 p.m. – Jeannine Acheson & Tom Sniegoski – Nothing Can Stop the Ape!
Mad Cave also has a bunch of panels and is once again sponsoring the CBLDF Welcome party on Thursday night. You can find more information about the panels here. Including the John Cusack Momo panel, moderated by David Dastmalchian. Should be really fun!
We’re now recording Season 3 of the Superfan Podcast. Be sure to subscribe to the Superfan Signal Substack to get updates! Each episode includes detailed show notes (with reference breakdowns) plus cocktail, mocktail, and dessert recipes inspired by our guests’ fandoms…because, of course, we did that.
If you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and feel inclined, a 5-star review is always appreciated. It genuinely helps the show find new listeners and grow.
You can also find me on Instagram at @geekchic_promos, on Bluesky as @kris10simon, and over at the Editor Girl website.
See you next week!
Onward,
Kris
Yes! Werd! I want in on your pitching panel! And honored that my name is listed in your post! 🗯️🗯️🗯️ #SDCC
Was wondering where you were at?? See you soon! Excited!